The East Alabama Medical Centre in Opelika said in a statement that it was treating more than 40 patients as a result of the tornado and expected to receive more. Some patients have been sent to other hospitals, it added.

The storm also left more than 10,000 customers without power, the Birmingham News said, citing the utility Alabama Power.

After the tornado hit Alabama on Sunday afternoon, it unleashed by a powerful storm system that also slashed its way across parts of Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.

Weather officials said they confirmed other tornadoes around the region by radar alone and would send teams out early Monday to assess those and other storms.

Authorities in southwest Georgia are searching door-to-door in darkened neighbourhoods after a possible tornado touched down in the rural city of Cairo on Sunday evening. There were no immediate reports of serious injuries.

A tornado was also confirmed by radar in the Florida Panhandle on Sunday afternoon, authorities said.

In response to the destruction in Alabama, Donald Trump tweeted late on Sunday night urging resident to take care.

To the great people of Alabama and surrounding areas: Please be careful and safe. Tornadoes and storms were truly violent and more could be coming,” he wrote.

“To the families and friends of the victims, and to the injured, God bless you all!

A tornado watch remained in place on Sunday evening for much of eastern Georgia, including Athens, Augusta and Savannah. The tornado watch also covered a large area of South Carolina, including the cities of Charleston and Columbia.